معرفی
Jason Decker serves as an Instructor of Low Brass at Houghton University while maintaining a full-time position as Music Teacher at Letchworth Central School District, where he teaches beginning band, junior high band, and classroom music for grades 6-8. He is actively involved with the New York State School Music Association as a solo brass adjudicator and festival chair.
His educational background includes:
- Master of Music in Music Education from The Crane School of Music, State University of New York College at Potsdam
- Bachelor of Music in Music Education from The Crane School of Music, State University of New York College at Potsdam
- Associate in Science in Performing Arts Music from Schenectady County Community College
Decker specializes in innovative music pedagogy with emphasis on band instruction, general music curriculum development, and cross-disciplinary collaborations between music and media studies. His teaching philosophy centers on cultivating students' passion for music through practical application and integration with other academic subjects, grounded in his Christian faith perspective on music education.
His 2014 conference presentations reveal consistent research trends in adapting contemporary musical styles (rock and jazz) to middle school curricula while meeting Common Core standards through collaborative teaching models with media specialists.
Professional recognition includes:
- Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education
- Phi Kappa Phi, Honor Society
As an educator, Decker mentors student teachers and practicum students while developing co-taught cross-curricular projects. He regularly presents at NYSSMA conferences and assists festivals for both NYSSMA and GVSMA, demonstrating sustained engagement with professional development and community music initiatives.
He performs professionally as a regular member of Houghton Symphonic Winds and various community ensembles including a full swing big band, maintaining active performance experience on tuba and trombone that directly informs his teaching practice.
